Buffett began playing guitar during his first year at Auburn University before continuing his college years at Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He began his musical career in Nashville, Tennessee, during the late 1960s as a country artist and recorded his first album, the country-tinged folk rock record "Down to Earth" in 1970.
Moving to FLorida, Buffett's second release was 1973's A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean. Albums Living & Dying in 3/4 Time and A1A both followed in 1974, Havana Daydreamin' appeared in 1976, and Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes followed in 1977, which featured the breakthrough hit song "Margaritaville".
Buffett's album License to Chill, released on July 13, 2004, topped the U.S. pop albums chart for the first time in his career.
Buffett continued to tour regularly until shortly before his death, although later in his career, he shifted to a more relaxed schedule of around 20–30 dates, with infrequent back-to-back nights, preferring to play only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This schedule provided the title of his 1999 live album.
In August 2006, he released the album Take the Weather with You.
On April 20, 2010, a double CD of performances recorded during the 2008 and 2009 tours, called Encores, was released.
In 2020, Buffett released Songs You Don't Know by Heart, a fan-curated collection of his lesser-known songs rerecorded on his collection of notable guitars.
Illness and death:
In May 2023, Buffett was hospitalized to "address some issues that needed immediate attention" and rescheduled tour dates. In late August, he entered hospice care and had a final meeting with family and friends, in which his last words to his sister were "have fun". Buffett died on September 1, 2023, age 76, at his home in Sag Harbor, New York, due to complications from Merkel-cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer, with which he had been diagnosed four years earlier. He was surrounded by his family, friends, music, and dogs at the time of his death.
Merry Christmas
Jimmy Buffett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Merry Christmas, Tennessee
Merry Christmas, Louisiana
To St. Barth's and the Florida Keys
Merry Christmas, Mississippi
Where I started this wild and crazy run
Such a long way from that first birthday
And Merry Christmas, Colorado
Though far from you all I have roamed
"Tis the season to remember
All the faces and the places that were home
"Tis the season to remember
And to count up all the ports of call I've known
And to thank his mercies tender
For I'm never far from home
Merry Christmas to my saints and guardian angels
Who protect me as I roam
All the faces and the places that were home
Guess my life's moved at near light speed
Since I started this wild and crazy run
Such a long way from that first birthday
Merry Christmas, Everyone
"Tis the season to remember
That we're never far from home
Merry Christmas, Everyone
In Jimmy Buffett's song "Merry Christmas, Alabama," the lyrics express a sense of nostalgia for the places where the singer has been throughout his life. The repeated chorus of "Merry Christmas" to different states and locations shows that there is a sense of sentimentality and a need to connect these places to the holiday season. The verses mention specific places where the singer has lived or visited, reminiscing on the experiences he has had in those areas. He mentions Mississippi, where he "started this wild and crazy run," emphasizing the importance of his roots and the people who helped him along the way.
The line "Guess my life's moved at near light speed" shows the speed and journey of the singer's life. He highlights the faces and places that feel like home, even as he continues to move and travel. The song ultimately ends with the universal message of "Tis the season to remember that we're never far from home," emphasizing the importance of family and the memories that can transport us back to familiar places, especially during the holiday season. The lyrics convey a sense of comfort in the idea that no matter how far we travel, our past experiences and loved ones are always with us.
Line by Line Meaning
Merry Christmas, Alabama
I wish a happy holiday season to the people of Alabama.
Merry Christmas, Tennessee
I wish a happy holiday season to the people of Tennessee.
Merry Christmas, Louisiana
I wish a happy holiday season to the people of Louisiana.
To St. Barth's and the Florida Keys
May the people of St. Barth's and the Florida Keys also have a happy holiday season.
Merry Christmas, Mississippi
I started my wild and crazy journey in Mississippi, and I wish a happy holiday season to the people there.
Where I started this wild and crazy run
I began my journey in Mississippi, and it has been quite an adventure since then.
Such a long way from that first birthday
It's been a long time since I was born, and I've traveled far from my birthplace.
Merry Christmas, Everyone
I wish a happy holiday season to everyone, regardless of where they are.
And Merry Christmas, Colorado
I may be far from home, but I still wish the people of Colorado a happy holiday season.
Though far from you all I have roamed
I've traveled far from home, but I still remember those I left behind.
Tis the season to remember
The holidays are a time to reflect and remember the people and places that are important to us.
All the faces and the places that were home
I remember all of the people and places that I've called home throughout my life.
And to count up all the ports of call I've known
I reflect on all the places I've visited and the experiences I've had along the way.
And to thank his mercies tender
I'm grateful for the blessings I've received on this journey.
For I'm never far from home
Even though I've traveled far, I still feel connected to the places and people that are important to me.
Merry Christmas to my saints and guardian angels
I wish a happy holiday season to the people who have watched over and protected me throughout my life.
Who protect me as I roam
These people have been important to me as I've traveled and explored the world.
Guess my life's moved at near light speed
My life has moved quickly and been full of changes and adventures.
That we're never far from home
The people and places that we love always stay with us, no matter where we go.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: JIMMY BUFFETT, MATT BETTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Toni Kiesewetter
My favorite Christmas song from Jimmy. Makes me think of my friends in Alabama
Zenyatta
I play this song every Christmas morning, have for years. Reminds me of all the locations I've lived, worked, and played over the years. Thanks for putting it to such a beautiful scene - Merry Christmas all.
Gale Abernathy
This is one of my top two favorite Christmas songs. Like Jimmy, I was born in Mississippi and reared in Alabama.
Harley Bliss
love this beautiful song
Laurie Zakaroff
This was our true Florida Man, humble & joyous #ripjimmy
Bebe T
Beautiful ❤️🎄💚. My places are different, but I know a few only because jimmy drew me there (St. Barth, especially).
Tankffh4x
Happy birthday to country singer 👨🎤 Jimmy Buffett have a great birthday and merry Christmas today #jimmybuffett
Clark Griswold
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY!
Another trip around the sun.
Harley Bliss
nothing like a bama Christmas ROLL TIDE ROLL
Debj1951
Beautiful, but the CHristmas songs make me so sad. I guess it is because of the "Ghosts from Christmas's Past"